Ishiba Residence is a merchant's house located in Kameko-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. During the Edo period, it served as a merchant house dealing primarily with straw products for the Hirosaki clan. Over time, its business evolved, and while it now sells sake and tobacco, it continues to uphold its family name through generations. The origins of the Ishiba family are unclear, but a gravestone from the Genroku era (1688-1704) remains at their family temple, suggesting the family's history extends back to at least the early 18th century. The head of the family has traditionally used the name "Kiyubei." While the Ishiba Residence has undergone several renovations, its initial construction is estimated to be in the early 18th century. The main house, initially located elsewhere, is believed to have been relocated to its current site (in front of the Kameko Gate in the northern part of Hirosaki Castle) in the early 19th century. The property measures 37.9m in frontage and 39.6m in depth. The main building has a span of 18.1m and a bay of 18.2m, with a two-story section. The roof is a gable roof on the south side, and a gabled roof on the north, east, and north projecting sections. The entrance is gable-ended. The east projection measures 5.7m in span and 8.3m in bay; the north projection measures 2.8m in span and 9.2m in bay. The main house sits on a corner lot, facing the street on the south and west sides, featuring a "komise" (a wooden arcade sheltering from rain and snow), unique to the Tsugaru region. Ishiba Residence was designated as a National Important Cultural Property on February 23, 1973. While still used as a residence, the interior is open to visitors. A visit to the Ishiba Residence offers a firsthand look into the life and culture of Edo-era merchants. Its solid construction and traditional design showcase the advanced craftsmanship of the time and leave visitors awestruck by its historical weight. Exploring the merchant house's history and the traditional culture passed down through generations enhances one's understanding of Japanese culture.
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